With that as a springboard, here are a few thoughts from the 2000 draft that highlight Brady’s staying power:

The No. 1 overall pick, Penn State defensive end Courtney Brown, played his last regular-season game in 2005.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher, the No. 9 overall pick, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

The Patriots’ top pick, Hawaii offensive lineman Adrian Klemm (No. 46), last played in 2005 and began his coaching career in 2008.

University of Florida tight end Erron Kinney, the No. 69 overall pick of the Titans, played his final regular-season game in 2005 and is now the fire chief in Sherborn, Massachusetts, which is about 20 minutes from where the Patriots play their games at Gillette Stadium.

Brady’s close friend at Michigan, tight end Aaron Shea, was the 110th overall pick (Browns). He played in his final regular-season game in 2005.

Running back Sammy Morris was the 156th overall pick (of the Bills), later joined the Patriots as a teammate of Brady (2007-2010), played his final regular-season game in 2011 and has been volunteering as a strength coach with the Patriots in recent years.